Youth Employment Specialist

**Youth Employment Specialist - Waterloo Region**

**Location**: Waterloo, Region

**Work Hours**: 37.5 hours per week

**Employment Type**: Full Time, Contract

**Number of Vacancies**: 1

**Anticipated Start Date: October 01, 2025**

**Contract End Date: October 12, 2026**

**Deadline to Apply**: September 26, 2025

**Starting Rate: CA$24.30**

**Total Rewards Package**:
**We believe that everyone has the potential to shine Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being.

**Time Away from Work**

At the YMCA of Three Rivers, we value work-life harmony. Full-time team members start with:

- 3 weeks of vacation, with the opportunity to earn more as their length of service increases
- 12 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available.

**Pension Plan**

Full-time employees can join our group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment. Employees contribute 5% of their gross earnings per pay, which is matched by the Y. After three consecutive years of full-time service, participation in the YMCA pension plan becomes mandatory.

**Health, Dental and Well Being Benefits**

The YMCA of Three Rivers offers a comprehensive group benefits package to full-time employees (starting 3 months after the start date), including:

- Prescription drugs, Basic dental coverage, Paramedical services, Vision care
- Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services
- A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers
- Discounts on YMCA programs and services, including childcare

**Role Overview**:
**Who we are**

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization proudly serving the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. Our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here.

**We strive to be a great place to work for all employees to live in purpose, passion and potential Shine**

This is where you come in.

Are you a passionate and driven individual who thrives on empowering young people and helping them achieve their career goals? Do you excel at building relationships and delivering impactful community programs? Join our team as a Youth Employment Coach and make a lasting difference in the lives of youth and the community.

In this role, you will play an essential part in connecting young job seekers, including newcomer youth, with meaningful employment opportunities. You will provide one-on-one coaching and case management to a diverse caseload of clients, many of whom may be facing barriers to employment. You will tailor support to each individual's unique needs, guiding them through every step of their career journey.

**What you will do**

The Youth Employment Specialist informs and connects newcomer youth in schools to available jobs, shares information about the Canadian labor market, and researches and connects newcomer youth with volunteer opportunities in their community.

**Duties/Responsibilities**
- ** Client Support & Coaching**:

- Assist newcomer youth with their pathway to employment by providing workshops on job search, resume writing, interview skills, and information on job fairs.
- Conduct a needs assessment to identify client needs and create a service plan.
- Provide career counseling and intensive support to youth, assisting them with employment tips and information on job fairs.
- Conduct regular check-ins and provide post-employment assistance to ensure job retention.
- Enter information into government/department databases and prepare monthly statistical reports for the Program Lead.
- Other duties as assigned.
- ** Employer & Community Engagement**:

- Proactively recruit employers and connecting youth to employment/volunteering opportunities that meet their unique needs.
- Work closely with community partners to ensure access to additional employment services and supports for newcomer youth in the community to enhance their knowledge of Canadian workplace expectations and culture and aid in career planning.
- Develop and nurture ongoing relationships with community partners to ensure youth have access to additional support services, such as training, housing, or childcare.
- Organize and deliver employment-focused workshops, job fairs, and presentations to empower clients and expand the program's reach.
- Travel within the region to meet with clients and employers, fostering relationships that support the program's success.

**What you will bring**

**Qualifications (Required Education/Skills/Experience)**
- A community coll